CSI Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

Community Services Director, Diane Rogers, said the purpose of the annual event is to recognize and say thank you to the community volunteers for the myriad ways they enrich the lives of CSI clients.

“Our community volunteers freely give of their time and talents, but they also give the most priceless gift – kindness and love,” Rogers said.

Karen Herndon received CSI’s Volunteer of the Year award for her years of service at CSI’s Pierce County senior center, where she volunteers Tuesdays and Thursdays leading fitness activities such as beanbag baseball, modified football, basketball, and golf, Frisbee, and horseshoes.

CSI’s Pierce County Coordinator Amber Steverson said Herndon, whose service began years ago when her grandmother (now deceased) attended the center, was volunteering there long before Steverson started working for CSI six years ago.

“She definitely goes above and beyond when it comes to helping the seniors. She even goes on field trips with us and assists with special events and was instrumental in persuading the county commissioners to set up a walking track behind the center,” Steverson said.

“She is an advocate for the seniors and often speaks up for them at county commission and city council meetings,” she continued.

According to Rogers, this tendency to “go above and beyond” to which Steverson alluded is characteristic of all CSI volunteers.

“The other county coordinators at the event were as enthusiastic about their nominees for Volunteer of the Year as Steverson was about hers. They all thought their nominees should win the award, which tells you a lot about the quality of CSI volunteers. It was terribly difficult to choose only one winner for the award,” she said.

Ms. Rogers also thanked her team for organizing the event, especially Sharee Artis-Reed, Community Services Coordinator, who was the primary team member responsible for all of the planning.

About one hundred people representing nine counties in the CSI service area attended the banquet and enjoyed a meal featuring southern comfort foods – fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, buttered rolls, and strawberry shortcake.

Our Mission

Concerted Services, Inc.’s mission is to transform families and communities by providing opportunities and services that promote economic and social independence.

Our Vision

Concerted Services, Inc. is a premier Community Action Agency committed to investing in lives and transforming communities, one person at a time.

Our Values

We are INSPIRED

Integrity We do the right thing.Neighborly We make our communities better.Service We are people driven.Passion We are committed to our purpose.Innovative We welcome change.Respect We treat others as we wish to be treated.Excellence We deliver meaningful results.Diversity We embrace the unique contributions of all.